Policy Press

The New Constructivism in International Relations Theory

By David M. McCourt

Published

Jun 13, 2023

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529217834

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 4, 2022

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529217827

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 4, 2022

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529217841

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 4, 2022

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529217841

Imprint

Bristol University Press
The New Constructivism in International Relations Theory

In this engaging book, David M. McCourt makes the case for New Constructivist approaches to international relations scholarship.

The book traces constructivist work on culture, identity, and norms within the historical, geographical, and professional contexts of world politics, and reflects on recent innovations in fields including practice theory, relationalism, and network analysis. Copiously illustrated with real-world examples from the rise of China and US foreign policy, it illuminates the processes by which international politics are built. This is both an accessible tour of Constructivism to date and a persuasive declaration for its continuing application and value.

“David M. McCourt’s insightful panorama of current international relations landscapes persuasively argues for a distinctly New Constructivism. Masterfully drawing together recent trends, this book will become a touchstone for international relations theory for years to come.” Ty Solomon, University of Glasgow

“In this ambitious, unapologetic, and brilliant manifesto, McCourt demonstrates how New Constructivism provides international relations empirically rich payouts, intellectual consistency, and most poignantly and powerfully, a supportive space for generations of scholars to analyse worlds of our making.” Brent J. Steele, University of Utah

David M. McCourt is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Davis.

Introduction: What Is Constructivism?

1. The Old Constructivism

2. The New Constructivism

3. Rules, Law, and Language in the New Constructivism

4. World-Making: Experts and Professionals in the New Constructivism

5. New Constructivist Methodology and Methods

6. Politics, Ethics, and Knowledge in the New Constructivism

7. The New Constructivism as a Phronetic Social Science

Conclusion: The Space of Constructivism